Canada and the Crown by Jackson D. Michael;Lagassé Philippe;Lagassé Philippe; & Philippe Lagassé

Author:Jackson, D. Michael;Lagassé, Philippe;Lagassé, Philippe; & Philippe Lagassé
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Queen's University, School of Policy Studies
Published: 2013-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

AN EXPANDED ROLE

The growth of the lieutenant governors’ role over the past forty years, while largely limited to the dignified aspect of their duties, has enhanced the scope and effectiveness of the provincial Crown. The expanded role that has been assumed by lieutenant governors is the result of the Crown stepping in to fill a vacuum in certain dignified areas, and to a lesser degree the necessity for keeping partisan officials out of institutions such as provincial honours. The continuance of the efficient role of regular meetings with premiers and the soft sort of authority or advice that can be exercised behind closed doors perpetuates the role of the lieutenant governor as more than a ceremonial actor alone.

The developments have been incrementally dynamic, which is to be expected given the nature of an institution rooted in history and tradition. Not becoming entangled in contretemps over federal and provincial jurisdiction when it comes to the dignified aspect of the role has been an important element of the successes achieved over the past three decades. The concept of the Canadian vice-regal family, what MacKinnon termed a “team of governors,” is increasingly important. While a uniform approach will never work in a country as expansive and diverse as Canada, there is much to be gained by the various representatives of the Crown continuing to sharing best practices and experiences in citizen engagement and grassroots involvement, serving not only as constitutional heads of their respective jurisdictions but also as cheerleaders-in-chief for the achievements and endeavours of the citizens they serve on behalf of the Queen.

Certainly there are areas where existing practices vis-à-vis the lieutenant governors’ relationship with the federal government should be altered to better reflect their position as the Queen’s representatives in the provinces; however, most of these changes would constitute housekeeping matters. The lieutenant governors and the provincial Crown have proven to be resilient and active in seizing opportunities to promote both provincial and federal identity while maintaining a close connection with the citizenry through patronage, recognition, ceremonies, and other collective endeavours. As promoters-in-chief and chief executive officers of each province, lieutenant governors continue to uphold the dignity of the Crown, fostering voluntary service and outreach to both traditional constituents and marginalized communities, while advancing provincial identity and achievements on the local and provincial stages. That they have found an enhanced role in promoting the dignified aspects of the federal state and also delved into the international arena demonstrates the capacity of lieutenant governors to serve Crown, province, and country in an increasingly fluid and rapidly changing society.

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